‘How can it be if it’s costing you money?’ She fiddled with her beer mat, picking at the edges, separating out the layers. ‘I don’t understand any of it, to be honest, and I hate that feeling.’ Her voice cracked and she took another gulp of beer while she collected herself.

He smiled at her over the rim of his beer glass. ‘I promise I’ll think about the repayment terms. Perhaps we can give it some proper consideration while we’re relaxing at the spa, and I can assure you that by the time we get back, we’ll have sorted something out. How about that?’

A weekend away? It was a tempting prospect, and she couldn’t deny she enjoyed James’s company. If, by the end of the weekend, she decided she didn’t like whatever terms he came up with, then she’d try and devise a different way to pay him back. Matt kept telling her he was very close to finishing the contract. When he was paid, they could catch up with the mortgage, pay off their temporary overdraft extension, clear a couple of the credit cards. Oh God, will there be anything left? It seemed unlikely. Panic froze her thoughts. I don’t think I’ve got a choice.

‘When were you thinking?’ she asked.

‘This weekend. I’ve got it booked.’

She gasped, incredulous. ‘But it’s Monday now! I can’t just drop everything.’

‘Oh, I think you can.’ His hand reached across the table and covered hers, his voice gentle. ‘I love spending time with you, Sara. Just this once, please. Humour a lonely man and give me the pleasure of your company.’ His eyes met hers, hypnotic, appealing.

The lure of a break, some time to regroup and re-energise, was tempting. It was exactly what she needed. Hadn’t Hailey said as much just the other week? Despite her better judgement, she was almost persuaded. There was one major stumbling block, though. ‘What will I tell Matt?’

James looked at the ceiling, then back at her. ‘I think a friend from college has invited you to a hen party. Nothing raucous. A spa treatment for the girls, a weekend of relaxation and pampering. That won’t be far from the truth, so it won’t feel like a lie.’ His thumb stroked the back of her hand.

She gazed at him, getting hotter by the minute, wondering if his intentions were what she thought they might be.